RIP, Bobby Dower

Bobby, the former sports editor of the American Press in Lake Charles, La., was diagnosed less than a week ago with stomach cancer. He had a turn for the worse overnight, and things appear bleak today.

He's as good a human being as you'll ever meet, in this business or any other. Those of you who know him already know that. He could use your prayers, thoughts, positive energy and encouragement, even if you're not able to communicate those directly to him.
I won't have access to the site much longer today, but I encourage any of you who know Bobby to contact anyone you know at the paper or elsewhere who can give you more details and suggestions on how to leave a message of support for him. I will try to post appropriate updates when I can.

He's a good man who doesn't deserve any of this. Thinking of you, Bobby.

The Louisiana Sports Writers Association has rallied around Bobby, with many of the old guard visiting his hospital room and turning it into an LSWA convention of sorts. Last night, the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame presented him the 2015 Distinguished Service Award in Sports Journalism, apparently bending or breaking just about all of its bylaws to do so. Seeing the look on his face in the photo of him receiving the award in his hospital bed is just priceless.

The email says there were 27 people in his room when he was presented the award, setting a hospital record. I'm so proud of the LSWA and the Hall of Fame folks (there's some overlap there) for showing such love and support for Bobby at this time, and for recognizing the lifetime of work and passion he gave to the profession. If any of you read this, know that it hurts me to not be able to be there with Bobby and all of you right now, but it's such a blessing to know him and all of you and feel the goodness in each of you -- years ago in person, and now from afar.